Entrapment Neuropathies

Question 1

Median nerve (wrist: carpal tunnel syndrome)

Answer 1

Clinical features: numbness or tingling involving one or more of the first four digits, symptoms may awaken the patient from sleep

Etiology: compression of median nerve at wrist within carpal tunnel

Question 2

Ulnar Nerve: at the elbow

Answer 2

Clinical features: paresthesias and pain in fifth digit and the medial half of the fourth. Difficulty spreading the fingers

Etiology: Compression of ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel at the elbow

Question 3

Radial nerve

Answer 3

Clinical features: wrist drop and sensory loss on the dorsal aspects of the hand

Etiology: Compression at axilla (Sat night palsy), spiral groove or in the forearm (posterior interosseous neuropathy)

Question 4

Meralgia paresthetica

Answer 4

Clinical features: burning sensation and variable loss of sensation over anterolateral thigh

Etiology: Entrapment of lateral femoral cutaneous never near the inguinal ligament

Question 5

Femoral neuropathy

Answer 5

Clinical Features: leg weakness on attempting to stand or walk. pain in the anterior thigh is common

Etiology: trauma from surgery, DM, other inflammatory processes

Question 6

Peroneal neuropathy

Answer 6

Clinical features: usually presents with foot drop with minimal sensory complaints

Etiology: Entrapment of the peroneal never between the neck of the fibula and the insertion of the peroneous longus muscle